Work Text:
There’s a knock on the door that makes Buck frown in confusion.
Christopher’s just finished his homework, and Eddie should be on his way home from his session with Frank, and as far as Buck knows, neither of them are expecting anyone today.
Still, he goes to answer the door.
And is met with the disapproving faces of Ramon and Helena Diaz.
“Buck?” Helena says by way of greeting. “What are you doing here?” And she sounds so much like he’s the one who arrived unexpectedly and unannounced at their door, that it makes Buck’s hackles rise. For a split second, he wishes he could shut the door in their faces, but manages to stop himself from actually going through with it.
He clears his throat, steps back when Eddie’s parents make their way inside as though they own the place. “Watching Chris while Eddie’s running an errand,” he answers as he closes the door. He has no clue if Eddie told his folks he’s going to therapy, but he’s not going to be the one to inform them, in case they don’t know. “He should be home any minute now.”
The Diazes make themselves at home in Eddie’s living room, leaving their suitcases by the door (and Buck raises an eyebrow at that, because Eddie has definitely not mentioned his parents coming to LA), and turn to him with identical searching (and judging) looks.
Helena tugs on her sleeves, straightening them, and she looks ready for a fight. “Well-” she starts, and Buck decides he doesn’t feel like putting up with whatever nonsense she’s about to say, so. “I’ll go let Chris know his grandparents are here,” he says, and turns away before she can open her mouth.
When he reaches Chris’s room, the boy is already halfway to the door, a small frown on his face. “Buck? I thought I heard the door. Is dad home?”
Buck breathes for a second, and hopes this day doesn’t turn into a shitshow. “Not yet, Chris,” he says, and crouches down to Christopher’s level. “Your grandparents are here, though.”
Chris’ frown deepens where Buck would have thought it would vanish and turn into a smile. “Why?”
Why, indeed . Honestly? Buck doesn’t like the timing of this little visit. “I don’t know, bud. They probably missed you a lot and wanted to see you. Let’s go greet them, okay?”
Chris nods, but he still hesitates a bit. “Does dad know they’re here?”
Buck stands up, wipes a hand down his face. “Not yet. I’ll text him to let him know, so he won’t be blindsided when he gets home.”
“Good.” Chris nods. He walks out of his room then, without his crutches (and Buck can already hear Helena’s opinion on that), and Buck takes a moment to pull out his phone, thumbs through to his text thread with Eddie.
‘Hey,’ he writes, and doesn’t wait for Eddie to answer. ‘Were your parents meant to be visiting today?’
It takes a moment. ‘No? My parents? No, why?’
Buck bites his lip. Eddie’s usually so damn exhausted after therapy, he doesn’t need to have to deal with Ramon and Helena on top of that. ‘They showed up a few minutes ago.’
‘Fuck,’ Eddie says, and yeah, Buck can totally see this day going to shit. ‘I’ll be home in a few. Don’t let them chase you away.’
Hah, as if Buck would leave an emotionally vulnerable Eddie alone with his judgemental parents. ‘As if they could. I’ll be right here. Not going anywhere.’
‘Thanks, Buck.’
Buck shoves his phone back in his pocket and takes a few, fortifying breaths.
And then, he goes back to the living room, smile painted on his face, to play host to Eddie’s parents.